Gilbert High principal objects to cheerleaders' breast cancer T-shirt

GILBERT, AZ - The Gilbert High cheer squad will not be allowed to wear the breast cancer awareness shirt they had printed up for upcoming games.

"It is very disappointing," said junior Natalie Skowronek. "It really doesn't say anything the doctor wouldn't say."

The Booster Club printed up shirts for the squad to wear while they gathered donations at games.

On the back it reads "Feel for lumps. Save your bumps."

"There were other slogans like 'save the tah tahs,'" said Gayleen Skrownek, a mom who has been part of the Booster Club for several years. "We thought this was more age appropriate.  We never meant it to be controversial."

Principal Charles Santa Cruz, however, objected to the shirts and told the squad they would not be allowed to wear them at the school events.  

He released the written statement below:

The "Fight for the Cure" is serious business and a cause that I personally and professionally support. It should be known that the administration fully supports the fund-raising efforts of the Gilbert High School Cheerleaders. It is unfortunate, however, that the issue has become more about the slogan than the fight against cancer. The Cheer Squad is authorized to raise funds and join the campaign to seek a cure for this deadly disease. They may wear a symbolic "pink" shirt, cap, socks, ribbon, etc., if they desire. They may not, however, wear the unauthorized T-shirt with the questionable slogan. The "Fight for the Cure" is a serious matter and is much bigger than the slogan.

The cheerleaders will still gather donations for breast cancer research at the games as they planned. They may end up selling the shirts and donating the proceeds, as well.